Formula 1 Adjusts Schedule Amidst Middle East Conflict, Japanese Grand Prix Ahead

The 2026 Formula 1 season continues with the Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit from March 27-29, following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This leaves a significant gap in the schedule before the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.

Race Cancellations and Schedule Impact

Both the Bahrain Grand Prix (scheduled for April 12) and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (scheduled for April 19) have been canceled after careful evaluation by Formula 1 and the FIA. The decision impacts not only Formula 1 but also Formula 2, Formula 3, and the F1 Academy series, with their respective rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia also canceled. [Source: The New York Times] No replacement races are planned for April.

2026 Japanese Grand Prix Schedule (Spain Time)

• FP1 – Friday, March 27 at 03:30 a.m.
• FP2 – Friday, March 27 at 7:00 a.m.
• FP3 – Saturday, March 28 at 03:30 a.m.
• Classification – Saturday, March 28 at 7:00 a.m.
• Race – Sunday, March 29 at 7:00 a.m.

2026 Japanese Grand Prix Schedule (Latin America Time)

FP1: Thursday, March 26

• Mexico: 8:30 p.m.
• Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama: 9:30 p.m.
• Bolivia, Venezuela: 10:30 p.m.
• Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay: 11:30 p.m.

FP2: Friday, March 27

• Mexico: 00:00 a.m.
• Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama: 01:00 a.m.
• Bolivia, Venezuela: 02:00 a.m.
• Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay: 03:00 a.m.

FP3: Friday, March 27

• Mexico: 8:30 p.m.
• Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama: 9:30 p.m.
• Bolivia, Venezuela: 10:30 p.m.
• Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay: 11:30 p.m.

Classification: Saturday, March 28

• Mexico: 00:00 a.m.
• Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama: 01:00 a.m.
• Bolivia, Venezuela: 02:00 a.m.
• Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay: 03:00 a.m.

Race: Sunday, March 29

• Mexico: 00:00 a.m.
• Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama: 01:00 a.m.
• Bolivia, Venezuela: 02:00 a.m.
• Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay: 03:00 a.m.

How to Watch the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix

In Spain, the only legal way to watch the 2026 Formula 1 season is through DAZN F1, with options also available through Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone. In Latin America, viewing options are more diverse, including DAZN, ESPN on Disney+, Sky Sports on Izzi and Sky (Mexico), and Fox Sports Argentina.

Suzuka Circuit Details

The Suzuka Circuit, host of the Japanese Grand Prix, features 18 curves (10 right, 8 left) and a length of 5,807 meters. It is a favorite among drivers for its challenging elevation changes and fast turns. The fastest lap in history was set by Andrea Kimi Antonelli in 2025 at 1:30.965, whereas Michael Schumacher holds the record for most victories at the circuit with six wins. [Source: Formula 1 Official Website]

The race distance for the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix is 53 laps, covering a total of 307,471 kilometers.

2026 Driver Lineup

• McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
• Mercedes: George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli
• Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar
• Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
• Williams: Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon
• Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad
• Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
• Haas: Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman
• Audi: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto
• Alpine: Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly
• Cadillac: Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas

The Japanese Grand Prix marks the last event before a pause in the schedule due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.